CPS Worker (cold, monotone): "The decision has been made. You’ll be placed in foster care until a permanent solution is found."

Child (sobbing uncontrollably): "Please… no! I don’t want to leave my mom! She said she’d fix everything! Just give her one more chance!"

CPS Worker: "This isn’t about chances. It’s about safety. Your mother’s choices led us here. Pack your things."

Child: "But what about our house? If I go, they’ll evict us! She won’t have anywhere to live! She’ll die! Please, don’t do this—she’s all I have!"

CPS Worker: (stares blankly, voice flat) "You’ll have a bed, meals, and supervision. That’s more than what you have now."

Child: "You don’t understand! She’s trying! She cries every night! She’s trying so hard! Just let me stay and help her! I can do it! I can make it better!"